Colorectal Cancer Treatment

“Colorectal cancer, especially rectal cancer, can be a long journey from diagnosis through treatment. We get great satisfaction from holding our patients hands all through this rather arduous journey.”

In treating your colorectal cancer, our goal is provide you with quality care and treatment in the most minimally invasive way possible and get you back to a healthy life as soon as possible.

We use a multidisciplinary approach, using whatever methods are necessary to eradicate the cancer. For patients with early stage colorectal cancer, surgery alone often cures it. Sometimes radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy are recommended to ensure a better long-term outcome.

John Muir Health has had great success in preserving patient bowel and sphincter functions after colorectal cancer treatments.

Understanding Your Treatment Options

If you need to undergo treatment for colorectal cancer, John Muir Health offers access to a Nurse Navigator, who is with you every step of the way during your treatment and recovery. She is available to you by phone or in person to answer any of your questions and make sure you understand your treatment options and what resources are available to you during your recovery period.

Your managing physician has access to a multi-disciplinary cancer case conference (tumor board) where a team of medical experts review complex cases and make treatment recommendations. The expert panel consists of a colorectal surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, and pathologist. Discuss with your physician whether this is an option for you.

We listen to your needs and concerns, then provide you with the knowledge you need to make intelligent decisions about your treatment. We want you to be empowered with knowledge and part of the process as we work together to address your needs.

Clinical Trials

John Muir Health was recently selected as having one of the best run cancer research programs by the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group. When it makes sense, we recommend our patients participate in these trials to receive the most recent treatment techniques available for colorectal cancer.